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Heart Trouble? 30 Herbal Remedies to Avoid

Health A-Z

Though widely viewed as safe, herbal remedies can cause serious interactions in people taking prescription drugs for heart problems. Check out the following guide to herbal products that heart patients should avoid.

A dangerous combination

Millions of Americans take herbal remedies for ailments ranging from high cholesterol to depression. Though widely viewed as safe, these products can cause serious interactions in people taking prescription drugs for heart problems.

A dangerous combination

Millions of Americans take herbal remedies for ailments ranging from high cholesterol to depression. Though widely viewed as safe, these products can cause serious interactions in people taking prescription drugs for heart problems.

Garlic

What it is: A member of the onion family, available commercially as an oil, extract, or pill (in addition to its natural state).

What it’s used for: To lower total and LDL (bad) cholesterol, as well as blood pressure. Also used as a blood thinner and to combat atherosclerosis.

The risk: Garlic’s blood-thinning properties can increase the risk of bleeding associated with warfarin, an anti-clotting drug commonly prescribed to people with heart-rhythm disorders, and to people who have had heart attacks or heart-valve replacements.

Gingko

What it is: The extract of the leaves of the ginkgo plant (also known as the maidenhair tree), sold as a capsule or tea.

What it’s used for: Ginkgo is mainly used to improve memory and prevent dementia (including Alzheimer’s disease), but it has also been used to treat asthma, ringing in the ears, sexual dysfunction, and leg pain caused by poor circulation.

The risk: Increases the risk of bleeding associated with aspirin and warfarin.

The risk: Affects how the body absorbs dozens of prescription medications and may diminish the efficacy of statins, beta-blockers (a class of drugs used to treat high blood pressure and heart-rhythm disorders), and calcium-channel blockers.

Billberry

What it is: The dried extract of the bilberry fruit, which is very similar to the blueberry. Sold as a capsule.

What it’s used for: Bilberry is used to treat problems associated with poor circulation, most notably varicose veins and venous insufficiency, in addition to diarrhea, skin problems, eyestrain, and menstrual cramps.

The risk: Bilberry may improve blood circulation, but it can also increase the risk of bleeding associated with warfarin.

Fenugreek

What it is: A seed (often ground into a powder) that has been used since the days of ancient Egypt and is available in capsule form.

What it’s used for: Fenugreek has been used for a wide range of ailments, including digestive problems, hot flashes, and a lack of breast milk. More recently, it has also been used to lower cholesterol.

The risk: Increases the risk of bleeding associated with warfarin. Fenugreek can also lower blood sugar, which can cause complications for diabetics.

Black cohosh

What it is: The extract of the root of the black cohosh plant, Actaea racemosa. Sold as a capsule.

What it’s used for: Black cohosh is mainly used to assuage the symptoms of menopause (hot flashes, vaginal dryness, night sweats), but it has also been used to treat joint and muscle pain.

The risk: Like St. John’s wort, black cohosh may interfere with certain prescription medications, including statins, beta-blockers, and calcium-channel blockers. It also carries a risk of liver damage.